Movies News Talk
Keri Russell is back as Kate Wyler in season 2 of the critically acclaimed political drama The Diplomat on Netflix. While we wait to see how Kate handles a political scandal after the cliffhanger ending of the first season, get ready to see another brilliant performance from Keri Russell in one of the best TV shows ever made, The Americans.
Get ready for another intense rollercoaster ride with The Diplomat. The show debuted on Netflix in April 2023, and right off the bat, Keri Russell got nominated for an Emmy! But for fans looking for something to keep them busy before October 31st when season 2 hits Netflix, there's The Americans.
You know Keri Russell is a total talent; you've probably seen her in films and television for ages, but did you know The Americans was one of her most celebrated roles ever? She plays a Russian spy who's posing as an ordinary mom. It's like a James Bond thriller, but in suburbia. Talk about wild! You won't find too many TV series with this level of espionage and emotional depth combined, which might explain why the series scored an amazing 96% on Rotten Tomatoes! Talk about an all-time great. And that was over six seasons.
Don't be surprised if The Americans tops some of your best-ever TV Show lists. Just think of the depth of its complex storylines; from spying for the Soviets while raising a family and having the characters grapple with a ton of drama to, of course, seeing those '80s outfits and music.
The Americans is so much more than just a historical thriller; the performances by Russell and Matthew Rhys (who play Elizabeth and Phillip, the super undercover spies), are something you can't take your eyes off. The drama really digs into their commitment to espionage, and the ethical struggles and emotions that they face! Remember those Emmy Nominations? Yeah, those were for good reason.
While the story is centered around the complex drama of a spy marriage (it is actually what launched Matthew Rhys to bigger, better roles!), you'll be on the edge of your seat, laughing, and feeling sad at the same time because those complex emotions hit deep!
Both series focus on strong women, espionage, and political drama. But there's something unique about the relationship between Kate and Hal in "The Diplomat". It's definitely more romantic, more fun, and in a very real way more unpredictable. You kind of have a gut feeling that it could fall apart at any moment - but still, it keeps pulling viewers back to the screen. Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Phillip’s spy lives were way more hidden, their world filled with fear, trust, and always an element of deception, where each scene had you asking: “Who are you? Who can you trust?”
While there's certainly drama with The Diplomat, there's a definite, almost sarcastic wit, which is just right for the show. On the other hand, “The Americans" delves into the heavy realities of a world where it’s almost impossible to determine who is on what side. You’re really asking, who’s who. It's almost like playing “spy” – except with the real-world implications.
Season 2 is slated for an October release (it's like they are handing us Halloween candy!), and we can’t wait to see where all the drama leads after those bombs went off at the end of the first season. The last scenes, particularly, those focused on Kate’s spouse Hal and the Prime Minister, ended in a tense cliffhanger and we are already wondering - did they live? Did they survive? The Netflix sizzle reel shows a pretty solid image that suggests Hal’s back and healthy as a horse. And remember that whole secret plot? We need answers, for real! We also know Allison Janney, the super talent from "Mom" and "The West Wing," will be in Season 2; and she's known for really adding depth and drama to her roles.
The series’ complex storylines and sharp-witted writing continue to intrigue us as Season 2 rolls around, which may end up becoming just as great as "The Americans", but with its own unique storyline.